After his trip to Nashville, Harris came to New York City and the Times Square studio of "GMA" where, today, he performed the national anthem live in front of hundreds of fans and millions of people watching on TV.

Harris was backed by JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, a Connecticut-based gospel group. The group also practiced with Harris in the days leading up to his performance, a moment Harris said he had dreamed about for years.

Harris' mentor, Bentley, was there to watch, too.

"He did so good," Bentley said. "That's the most patriotic moment of my life, I think, to be here in New York and hearing you singing, a great choir. It was unbelievable, man."